Nick Compton sends England selectors a message ahead of the Ashes

Nick Compton was sending a message to the England selectors this afternoon as he built an impressive innings for Somerset against Australia at Taunton.

The batsman was not selected for the warm-up match against Essex this weekend, suggesting that Joe Root is the firm favourite to open the batting in the Ashes opener at Trent Bridge on July 10.

But on his home ground Compton, who scored just 39 runs when opening in the two Tests against New Zealand in May, was 67 not out after 40 overs.

His composed 114-ball innings contained 11 fours and had been complied in just under three hours at the crease.

Compton clearly made an impression on the tourists, who had captain Michael Clarke back in the side following his back problems, with Cricket Australia tweeting: "Somerset 1-103 after lunch. Dumped England opener Nick Compton reaching his half century. Impressive innings".

PA